1.Pollution characteristics, source apportionment, and health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Guangzhou City from 2016 to 2024
Yan WU ; Zhi LI ; Jiayun LYU ; Jie SHI ; Yongquan PENG ; Wenru FENG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1116-1122
Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant organic components of PM2.5 and exhibit carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Long-term exposure to high level of atmospheric particulate matter and particle-bound PAHs may contribute to the burden of environmentally related diseases in China. Objective To characterize PM2.5 concentrations and PM2.5-bound PAHs in three districts of Guangzhou from 2016 to 2024, and to assess the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) associated with inhalation exposure to PAHs among different population groups. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected monthly from the 10th to the 16th day of each month at rooftop monitoring sites on office buildings in Yuexiu, Conghua, and Panyu districts between 2016 and 2024. PM2.5 concentrations were measured, and 16 priority PAHs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seasonal and regional variations in PM2.5 and PAH concentrations were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Potential PAH sources were identified using diagnostic ratio analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The ILCR model was employed to estimate inhalation-related cancer risks for different population groups. Results From 2016 to 2024, the annual median PM2.5 concentrations in Guangzhou were 51.0, 46.0, 45.0, 41.5, 31.0, 32.0, 30.0, 26.0, and 37.5 μg·m−3, respectively, showing an overall declining trend. PM2.5 concentrations varied significantly by season, following the order of winter > spring/autumn > summer (H=475.341, P < 0.001). Spatially, PM2.5 concentrations were highest in Yuexiu, followed by Panyu and Conghua (H=36.226, P < 0.001). The annual median PAH concentrations were 3.95, 4.22, 3.73, 3.13, 2.54, 2.16, 2.78, 2.36, and 1.75 ng·m−3, respectively. PAH concentrations showed a similar seasonal pattern (winter > spring/autumn > summer; H=320.392, P < 0.001). However, their spatial distribution differed from that of PM2.5: Conghua > Panyu > Yuexiu (H=55.938, P < 0.001). Diagnostic ratios and PCA indicated that the major sources of PAHs were traffic-related emissions (gasoline and diesel combustion) and coal combustion, with additional contributions from petroleum volatilization and biomass burning. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) toxic equivalent concentrations declined over time and remained below the Chinese standard limit of 1 ng·m−3 after 2018. The median inhalation-related ILCRs were 0.094×10−6 for children, 0.035×10−6 for adolescents, and 0.293×10−6 for adults. Conclusion From 2016 to 2024, PM2.5 and PM2.5-bound PAH pollution levels in Guangzhou generally declined. Suburban areas had the lowest PM2.5 concentrations but the highest PAHs concentrations. Both PM2.5 and PM2.5-bound PAHs exhibited significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels in winter and the lowest levels in summer. The primary sources of PAHs were vehicular emissions and coal combustion, and PAHs posed no significant carcinogenic risk to the study population.
2.Population Characteristics of Arsenic-containing TCM Compounds in the Treatment of Platelets in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Jian LIU ; Wenru WANG ; Peizhen JIANG ; Kaizhi LU ; Qinlong ZHENG ; Haixia DI ; Lijuan YAO ; Bing WU ; Jiangwei WAN ; Qifeng LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):154-160
Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.
3.Population Characteristics of Arsenic-containing TCM Compounds in the Treatment of Platelets in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Jian LIU ; Wenru WANG ; Peizhen JIANG ; Kaizhi LU ; Qinlong ZHENG ; Haixia DI ; Lijuan YAO ; Bing WU ; Jiangwei WAN ; Qifeng LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):154-160
Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.
4.Effect of Active Ingredients of Rehmanniae Radix in Intervening Acute Kidney Injury and Fibrosis: A Review
Wenru WANG ; Ying LIANG ; Yao CHEN ; Jingyi ZHAN ; Tian ZHAN ; Lei YAN ; Fengzhao LIU ; Jixin LI ; Renhuan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):289-298
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in renal function over a short period due to various etiologic factors. If left untreated, AKI can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can manage severe AKI, effective pharmacological treatments for AKI remain largely unavailable. Chinese medicine, with its multi-target and multi-pathway approaches, has accumulated substantial theoretical and practical knowledge in treating AKI and related complications. Rehmanniae Radix is a commonly used Chinese medicinal, known for its functions in clearing heat, cooling blood, nourishing yin, and promoting fluid production. The primary active ingredients of Rehmanniae Radix include catalpol, acteoside, and aucubin. In this study, we summarized recent research on the effect of the active ingredients of Rehmanniae Radix in preventing and treating AKI. We found that the key mechanisms underlying its anti-AKI effects include amelioration of inflammation, alleviation of oxidative stress, and inhibition of apoptosis. Additionally, the antifibrotic properties of the active ingredients of Rehmanniae Radix suggest its potential in slowing CKD progression. We reviewed the mechanisms of Rehmanniae Radix in treating AKI and its antifibrotic effects to provide a scientific basis for developing new AKI drugs, promoting the utilization of Rehmanniae Radix resources, and reducing the transition from AKI to CKD.
5.Discovery of a normal-tension glaucoma-suspect rhesus macaque with craniocerebral injury: Hints of elevated translaminar cribrosa pressure difference.
Jian WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Xu JIA ; Yingting ZHU ; Zhidong LI ; Shu TU ; Ling ZHAO ; Yifan DU ; Wei LIU ; Jiaoyan REN ; Liangzhi XU ; Hanxiang YU ; Fagao LUO ; Wenru SU ; Ningli WANG ; Yehong ZHUO
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(4):484-486
6.Relationship between cerebrovascular reserve capacity and white matter lesions in the elderly based on magnetic resonance imaging
Lihong LUO ; Wenru GONG ; Mei LI ; Xizi XING ; Hua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2024;33(1):101-105
Objective To investigate the relationship between cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) capacity and white matter lesions in elderly people. Methods We included 315 participants aged ≥ 60 years in Jinan area of Shandong Province from May 2018 to July 2019. They underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasonography for assessing CVR, breath holding index (BHI), and arterial pulsatility index (PI). According to CVR capacity, they were divided into normal CVR group (CVR ≥ 20%, n = 206) and impaired CVR group (CVR < 20%, n = 109). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate periventricular, subcortical, and total white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes and Fazekas scores. Results Compared with the normal CVR group, the impaired CVR group showed significantly higher volumes of periventricular, subcortical, and total WMHs and significantly higher proportions of Fazekas scores ≥ 2 (P < 0.01). Periventricular, subcortical, and total WMH volumes were negatively correlated with CVR (r = −0.70, −0.66, −0.73, P < 0.01) and BHI (r = −0.64, −0.65, −0.68, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with PI (r = 0.60, 0.65, 0.65, P < 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, periventricular, subcortical, and total WMH volumes were still negatively correlated with CVR and BHI (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with PI (P < 0.01). The logistic regression analysis showed that the risks of periventricular, subcortical, and total Fazekas score ≥ 2 in the impaired CVR group were 1.96 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17−3.27, P < 0.01), 1.84 times (95% CI: 1.11−3.05, P < 0.05), and 2.33 times (95% CI: 1.30−4.18, P < 0.01) that of the normal CVR group, respectively. Conclusion Impaired CVR is an independent risk factor for white matter lesions in the elderly.
7.Exploration on the medication law of TCM compound patents and new prescriptions for diabetes kidney disease in recent 20 years
Wenru WANG ; Jixin LI ; Yihan LI ; Jiayi YANG ; Jingyi ZHAN ; Renhuan YU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;45(12):1569-1575
Objective:To analyze the medication and compatibility law of TCM compound patents in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) based on data mining method; To provide basis for research and development of new drug in clinic.Methods:TCM compound patents for DN treatment were retrieved from national patent platform. Excel 2019 was used to conduct statistical analysis on drug frequency, property and taste and meridian. SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS Statistic 26.0 were used for drug association rules and clustering analysis. The complex network of co-occurrence of core drugs was constructed with Cytoscape 3.9.0, and the potential of the correlation between new prescriptions and drugs was demonstrated.Results:A total of 261 TCM compound patents were included, including 438 kinds of Chinese materia medica. High-frequency drugs included Astragali Radix, Rehmanniae Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, etc. Drug categories were mainly deficiency tonic drugs. The properties and tastes were mainly cold and sweet, and the meridians were mainly liver and kidney meridians. The commonly used medicinal pair was Ganoderma-Rehmannine Radix. The commonly used triple medicinal combination was Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Ganoderma. There were 7 groups of clustering medicines, including Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ganoderma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Euryales Semen, Rehmanniae Radix and Lycii Fructus. There were 5 groups of potential medicines, including Campsis Flos-Caulis Tinosporae Sinensis-Kalopanacis Radix-Fimbristylis Rigiduta Nees-Padicularisdis Dissectae Radix -Korshinsk Peashrub-Alismatis Fructus-Cynanchi Wallichii Radix. The core new prescriptions for treating DN were obtained through topological attribute analysis and screening.Conclusions:The national TCM compounds patents treatment for DN is based on the pathogenesis of this disease, which is characterized by deficiency in nature and excess in superficiality. It often uses methods such as tonifying qi and spleen, nourishing yin and tonifying kidney, promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis to improve clinical efficacy, providing ideas for the development of new drugs.
8.A preliminary exploration of MRI diagnostic model of perianal fistulizing Crohn′s disease based on deep convolutional neural networks
Lanlan LI ; Ke DENG ; Heng ZHANG ; Donglin REN ; Wenru LI
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2023;07(2):144-150
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic model of perianal fistulizing Crohn′s disease (pfCD) based on deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) .Methods:A restrospective study was conducted. The patients with pfCD of initial diagnosis ( n = 200) and the patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula (CAF) of initial diagnosis ( n = 200) were enrolled randomly in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2014 to December 2019. The patients were assigned to the training, validation and test sets at a ratio of 8∶1∶1 in each group. The anal MRI images of all the patients were collected and preprocessed to enhance the quality of images. Using the Pytorch deep learning framework and Windows 10 computer operating system, the MRI diagnostic model of pfCD and CAF was constructed based on 4 DCNNs (MobileNetV2, VGG11, ResNet18 and ResNet34) . Each model was divided into transfer learning (T) and untransfer learning (U) types based on whether it incorporated transfer learning strategy. First, the image data of training set (160 pfCD and 160 CAF patients, a total of 78 321 MRI images) was input, and the training was iterated to minimize the loss. Then the best training model was selected based on the results of the validation set (20 pfCD and 20 CAF patients, a total of 9697 MRI images) . Finally, diagnostic efficacy was evaluated on the test set (20 pfCD and 20 CAF patients, a total of 9260 MRI images) . The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each model was drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The DeLong test was used to compare the difference in AUCs among different models and between models and radiologists with different seniorities. Results:The efficacy of 4 models based on DCNN were MobileNetV2-T (AUC = 0.943, 95% CI: 0.820-0.991) , VGG11-T (AUC = 0.935, 95% CI: 0.810-0.988) , ResNet18-T (AUC = 0.920, 95% CI: 0.789-0.988) , ResNet34-T (AUC = 0.929, 95% CI: 0.801-0.986) , respectively. The AUCs of the 4 models combined with transfer learning strategy were higher than that of junior radiologist (all P<0.05) , and there was no significant difference in AUCs between 4 models with transfer learning strategy and senior radiologist (all P>0.05) . Conclusion:The construction of diagnostic model of pfCD is feasible by using deep learning technology based on DCNN, transfer learning strategy and high-resolution anal MRI images.
9.Study on the molecular mechanism of Linggui Zhugan Decoction in treating hypertension and obesity based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Jixin LI ; Wenru WANG ; Yan REN ; Linjie QIU ; Xinzi SONG ; Haiyan REN ; Xiaoqing LIU ; Jin ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;45(4):456-463
Objective:To explore the material basis and mechanism of Linggui Zhugan Decoction in treating hypertension and obesity by means of network pharmacology and molecular docking technique.Methods:The TCMSP was retrieved and the main active components and action targets of Linggui Zhugan Decoction were screened. The GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, DisGeNET and DrugBank databases were used to screen disease-related targets of hypertension and obesity. The Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to draw Chinese materia medica-composition-intersection target-disease network diagram. The STRING 11.5 database was used to draw PPI network. The cytoNCA plug-in was used to screen core active components and targets. The bioenrichment analysis of GO and KEGG was carried out in the R4.1.2, and the Chinese materia medica-intersection target-path diagram was drawn, and the core active components and core targets were docked in PyMOL and AutoDockTools 1.5.7.Results:A total of 102 potentially active components and 62 intersection targets were obtained, and 8 active components and 7 core targets were screened. Enrichment analysis showed that the key targets were mainly enriched through the signaling pathways of fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, lipid and atherosclerosis, and AGE-RAGE, which were involved in biological processes such as the response to nutritional levels and the regulation of small molecule metabolism. Molecular docking showed that there were 37 groups with addinity < -7 kcal/mol.Conclusion:The main active components of Linggui Zhugan Decoction are quercetin, kaempferol and naringenin, which may play a role in fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathway and AGE-RAGE signal pathway through AKT1, EGFR, IL1B and other targets.
10.Early Efficacy Predictors of Bushen Shengxue Prescription Combined with Western Medicine in Treatment of Aplastic Anemia
Chaochang ZHANG ; Jian LIU ; Wenru WANG ; Rui LI ; Qifeng LIU ; Jinhuan WANG ; Jiangwei WAN ; Ruirong XU ; Feng LIU ; Rou MA ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(14):64-72
ObjectiveTo investigate the predictive indicators of early efficacy of Bushen Shengxue prescription combined with western medicine in the treatment of aplastic anemia, and provide prognosis indicators for the treatment of aplastic anemia (AA) with kidney-tonifying therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with western medicine. MethodA total of 126 patients treated by Bushen Shengxue prescription combined with western medicine in 19 hospitals including Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from September 2018 to March 2021 were selected for a retrospective study. The therapy was proven to be effective after six months of treatment. According to the efficacy after 4 months of treatment, the patients were assigned into a 4-month effective group and a 4-month ineffective group. The age, sex, disease severity (including severe aplastic anemia and non-severe aplastic anemia), course of disease, degree of bone marrow nucleated cell proliferation, baseline hemogram levels [including white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelets (PLT), and reticulocytes (RET)], T lymphocytes subsets, and the expression levels of T-box transcription factor (T-bet) and GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3) were compared between the two groups before treatment. ResultThe proportions of patients within the age ranges of [20, 40) and [60, 80) were higher in the 4-month effective group (P<0.05). The sex, disease severity, course of disease, and comorbidities had no significant differences between the two groups. The 4-month effective group had higher baseline levels of HGB, WBC, ANC, and PLT than the 4-month ineffective group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the RET level between the two groups before treatment. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the PLT level before treatment was an independent factor affecting the onset time, while other indicators did not affect the onset time. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to analyze the value of PLT level before treatment for predicting the onset time, and the area under the curve was 0.691. With the critical value of 40.5×109/L, the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction that the therapy will take effect within 4 months were 0.569 and 0.893, respectively. The two groups of patients were graded according to age {(14, 20), [20, 40), [40, 60), and [60, 80)} and PLT level before treatment (PLT<40×109/L, PLT≥40×109/L). The proportion of the patients with PLT≥40×109/L before treatment in the 4-month effective group was significantly higher than that in the 4-month ineffective group (P<0.05). The degree of bone marrow nucleated cell proliferation before treatment had no significant difference between the two groups. The level of total T lymphocytes in the 4-month effective patients was lower than that in the 4-month ineffective patients before treatment (P<0.05). The levels of Th1 cells, Th2 cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells showed no significant differences between the two groups before treatment. The T-bet expression level in the 4-month effective group was higher than that in the 4-month ineffective group before treatment (P<0.05), while the expression level of GATA-3 showed no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. ConclusionBushen Shengxue prescription combined with western medicine will achieve faster effect for the patients within the age ranges of [20, 40) or [40, 60), with higher levels of HGB, WBC, ANC, and PLT (especially those with PLT≥40×109/L), lower level of total T lymphocytes, or higher T-bet expression level before treatment.

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